Start a Healthcare Career in Memphis — No Degree Required
CNA certification is the fastest way into healthcare. 4 weeks of training. Jobs paying $15–$19/hr. New classes start every month.
No degree, no experience, no problem. Apply in 15 minutes.
Apply NowWhy CNA Is the Best Entry Point into Healthcare
Compared to other entry-level healthcare certifications, CNA has the shortest path to a paycheck. Here's how it stacks up against the alternatives:
Salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024. Cost ranges based on published tuition for Memphis-area programs.
See full program details on our CNA classes in Memphis page.
Who Becomes a CNA?
Our students come from all backgrounds. If any of these sound like you, CNA training is worth a serious look.
Switching careers
Tired of retail, food service, or warehouse work? Want a job that feels meaningful at the end of the day? CNA puts you in a role where you're genuinely helping people.
Re-entering the workforce
Been out of work for a while and need a fresh start? CNA training is short, affordable, and leads to immediate employment with employers who are actively hiring.
No college degree
You can build a real healthcare career without 2–4 years of school. CNA certification takes weeks, not years, and puts you on the path to LPN or RN if you want to keep going.
Stepping stone to nursing
CNA → LPN → RN is a proven path. Many nurses started as CNAs — it gives you hands-on experience, patient care hours, and a paycheck while you work toward your next credential.
Single parents
Evening classes run M–F, 5–9 PM, so you can be home with your kids during the day. No weekend classes. New cohorts start every month so you can begin when the timing is right.
What You'll Actually Do as a CNA
CNAs provide direct, hands-on care to patients and residents — the day-to-day contact that doctors and nurses often don't have time for.
Daily tasks include:
- Checking and recording vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Helping patients move safely — in/out of bed, to the bathroom, in wheelchairs
- Feeding patients who need assistance
- Providing emotional support and companionship
- Reporting changes in patient condition to nurses
Where CNAs work:
Hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, home health agencies, assisted living communities, and outpatient clinics. In Memphis, there is consistent demand across all of these settings.
The honest version: CNA work is physically demanding. You'll be on your feet, lifting and moving patients, and working closely with people who are sometimes confused, frightened, or in pain. It's hard work — and for the right person, it's also deeply rewarding. Many CNAs say it's the most meaningful job they've had.
Want to know what the certification process in Tennessee looks like from start to finish?
How to Get Started
Apply online — 15 minutes, no payment
Fill out the application at careeracademymemphis.com/apply. No fee to apply. You'll get a same-day decision in most cases.
Attend class
Day program: 4 weeks, Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM. Evening program: 6 weeks, Monday–Friday, 5–9 PM. Location: 3355 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100G, Memphis.
Pass the state exam → start working
After completing the program, you'll take the Tennessee CNA state competency exam. Most graduates pass and are working within weeks of finishing class.
Can't Afford It Upfront?
Tuition is $1,350 all-inclusive — no hidden fees. And you don't have to pay it all at once, or even before class starts.
Payment plan
$450 × 3 payments — due in weeks 1, 2, and 3 of class. No payment required before your first day.
AJC / WIOA workforce funding
The American Job Center may cover 100% of tuition for eligible Memphis residents. No repayment required.
SNAP Employment & Training
If you receive SNAP benefits, you may qualify for E&T funding to cover training costs.
See all funding options on our tuition assistance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest healthcare certification to get?
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is the fastest healthcare certification available. At Career Academy, you can complete CNA training in just 4 weeks with our day program, or 6 weeks with our evening program. No prior experience or college degree required.
Can I start a healthcare career with no experience?
Yes. CNA programs are designed for complete beginners — no healthcare background needed. Career Academy accepts students with no prior medical experience. You'll learn everything from scratch: patient care techniques, vital signs, mobility assistance, and more.
How much do healthcare jobs pay in Memphis without a college degree?
CNAs in Memphis typically start at $15–$19/hr. From there, the career ladder is clear: LPN earns $22–$28/hr, and RN earns $28–$38/hr. CNA experience is the fastest way to build credentials and earning power in healthcare without a 4-year degree.
Is CNA a good career change?
Yes, especially if you want meaningful patient interaction, strong job security, and a clear path to nursing. Healthcare is the fastest-growing employment sector in the U.S., and Memphis has consistent demand for CNAs in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
What healthcare jobs can I get without a college degree in Memphis?
Options include CNA, home health aide, and medical receptionist. Of these, CNA has the best earning potential and the clearest career ladder — CNA → LPN → RN is a proven path that thousands of healthcare workers have taken.
Are there evening healthcare training programs in Memphis?
Yes. Career Academy offers evening CNA classes Monday through Friday, 5–9 PM. The evening program takes 6 weeks and covers the same curriculum as the day program. It's designed for people with daytime obligations — jobs, kids, or other commitments.
Ready to Start Your Healthcare Career?
Apply in 15 minutes. No payment required to apply. New classes start every month. See what CNAs earn in Memphis.
Last updated: April 2026